Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-12-24

"On one condition only, and that is that
this ceremony in which we are so soon to
take part (for Nanny has told me of the
change of characters) shall be made real
These are times of great vicissitude and
danger, darling and if we part tonight
may never see you again. Let me die then,
if die must, with the blissful assurance that
you are my WIFE Don't deny me, Lorraine"
as he saw remonstrance written in every line
of her face; "you can make me so happy, so
infinitely blessed. Say yes, darling, the
time is short"
How can II" she asked shrinkingly; at
is so unexpected-so sudden"
Say yes, honey" whispered Nanny,
"an ease his 'stracted mind. Sides" prac-
tically, "dar is de license yit to git" and so
being pressed on every side and weightily in
fuenced by the danger of her lover. Aunt
Lorraine said yes at last and soon after Cap
tain Moore mounted FREELY and rode away
in hot haste for the license.
Nanny, Aunt Lorraine and I sought my
mothers room, and l was quite surprised to
find that gentle invalid unusually well and
cheerful and soon Accordingly interested in
the arrayal of her young sister for the bridal
scene.
Excitement is very becoming to you,
Lorraine" she remarked, as she noted my
aunts starry eyes and rose-tlnted cheeks,
land our grandmother's wedding gown will
suit you to perfection"
As indeed it did, for | never saw loveier
picture than Aunt Lorraine presented as she
stood before us in the rich, quaint bridal
robes of my great-grandmother. The COS
tune was complete in every respect, from
the gossamer veil upon her head to the
dainty satin slippers upon her feet, and l
did not wonder that when she met Captain
Moore in the sittiAg-room after his breatl-
less ride that he strained her again to his
heart, and showered kisses upon her lovely
face.
1--WE are late" she whispered "let us join
the others at once for Mrs. Van Dorm has
almost finished singing the orange blossom
verse;"
Nanny and took our places in the audi
ence, and as we heard the solemn vows in
terchanged that gave our idol, for life. to
another, the great tears rolled down Mammy's
cheeks, and 1 sobbed audibly.
But there was no time for grief for imme-
diately after the ceremony was over, the
news our Waterman had brought was an
nounced to the audience, and they quickly
dispersed to their various homes.
And now neither of us will wear the
widows cap Lorraine" said Miss Allie,
laughingly, as they stood on the porch, wait
ing to bid Captain Moore goodbye.
II pray God not" she answered fervently,
touching the diamond band upon her finger.
Goodbye my wife, my dearest, cried
Captain Moore, turning last to her as he babe
us farewell, and kissing her in the presence
of us all. 'Pappy Ned will let you know to
what point he has guided me, and l will
send letter through the lines as soon as
possible. Next week if my wound will admit
shall join my command. Address me three
as soon as you can" And he was gone.
Miss Allie, whose coquettish heart had been
for once touched, turned very pale as she
witnessed this parting, but her pride stood
her in good stead, for she congratulated Aunt
Lorraine gayly on what she termed her
successful ruse," then babe her hasty
goodbye.
Rehabilitated in her homespun gown, with
the precious wedding ring deity concealed
from the enemy in plat of her dusky hair,
Aunt Lorraine Joined Nanny few minutes
later, and assisted in putting the household
to rights and hiding away such valuables as
had not been buried.
Soon the yard was filled with the glitter of
the bayonet and the tramp of many feet. A
group of blue-coated officers walked up the
steps and boldly entered the door, and our
Confederate Christmas was over.
JENNIE S. JUDsoN.